E.T.’s Secret Romance: Alien Love Story Nearly Changed the Movie Forever

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Summary

  • E.T. could’ve been more racy with a love story subplot between the alien and Mary that was toned down for the family movie.
  • Dee Wallace argued against a scene that was too inappropriate, ensuring the film remained suitable for all ages.
  • The heartwarming E.T. film’s themes of loneliness, friendship, and childhood wonder made it an emotional and timeless classic.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” a classic family movie that tells the heartwarming tale of a friendly alien and a young boy named Elliott. Interestingly, one of the stars shared that there were initially some sexual undertones in the script, which, if not toned down, could have made this beloved film a bit less suitable for younger audiences.

1982 saw the premiere of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” a science fiction motion picture helmed by Steven Spielberg. In this film, Henry Thomas played Elliott, Drew Barrymore was his younger sister Gertie, Robert MacNaughton portrayed his older brother Michael, and Dee Wallace took on the role of their mother Mary. One cast member has recently reminisced about the movie, revealing a scene they opted out of in the enduring classic.

As a passionate cinephile, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast. During my conversation with Steve Kmetko, I revealed some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights about the classic film “E.T.” One intriguing tidbit was that there was an alternate, more romantic storyline involving E.T. and the character Mary. I shared that there are remnants of this subplot still present in the movie.

There was a specific scene where E.T. visited my room while I was asleep and left Reese’s Pieces on my nightstand. Steven Spielberg, the director, initially wanted the sheet covering me to be pulled back a bit more than I felt comfortable with, as it might have suggested something inappropriate for a family movie. Fortunately, I objected to this suggestion, ensuring that the film remained suitable for its intended audience.

I argued my point that this was a family film.

In their discussions, Wallace, Spielberg, Mathison, and Kennedy sought a balanced approach for the project. Eventually, they settled on raising the sheet to Wallace’s shoulder blades, which she found acceptable. Wallace expressed her belief that the film would be both critically and commercially successful even before it was released. The actress from “The Howling” looked forward to collaborating with Barrymore again, who was still a child at the time. Wallace had always sensed that Barrymore would achieve great things in the future, becoming a producer and director. Barrymore established Flower Films with Nancy Juvonen in 1995 and has since produced numerous TV shows and films. She made her directorial debut in the 2009 sports comedy “Whip It.” Wallace recalled the time when the young Barrymore approached her while she was seated on a high director’s chair, expressing her desire to sit on Wallace’s lap. According to Wallace, Barrymore had a clear idea of what she wanted, as evidenced by her assertiveness.

What Would E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Be Without Its Entirely Wholesome Aesthetic Intact?

The movie E.T., a heartwarming family film, resonated deeply with both kids and adults alike, striking a chord in many as one of their first profound cinematic experiences. Its timeless appeal lies in its relatable themes such as loneliness, friendship, familial bonds, and the magic of childhood. It taps into our innate childlike emotions, making it difficult not to feel emotional, particularly during E.T.’s final scene where he appears gravely ill and eventually dies. The heartache is palpable when Elliott and Gertie weep as they watch the doctors attempt to revive the alien, a scene that evokes feelings of loss and powerlessness. These themes resonate with us as social beings, making it an emotional journey for many viewers.

Among the many memorable scenes, one that frequently sparks conversation is when Elliott’s bike levitates, an event orchestrated by E.T.’s extraterrestrial powers as they elude government officials in hot pursuit. This iconic bicycle-flying scene has earned its place among cinema’s most renowned moments. The production company Amblin Entertainment, founded by Spielberg, Kennedy, and Marshall, even adopted it as their logo. E.T., a film produced under this banner, is a beloved family movie. It was wise of Wallace not to focus on the relationship between Mary and the alien, as it allowed for more emphasis on Elliott’s bond with E.T., which is arguably what made the movie so cherished.

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2025-05-04 20:20